Enterprise zones are one of California’s only remaining public policy measures specifically aimed at attracting and retaining jobs. These zones – there are currently 42 statewide – target economically distressed areas of the state with special state and local incentives to encourage business investment and promote the creation of new jobs. Since 1984 these tax incentives have been attracting new investment and allowing private sector market forces to revive local economies and create jobs.

It makes no sense to eliminate these vital economic development zones – we should instead be expanding them. Better yet, we should make all of California an enterprise zone. After all, the entire state is now economically distressed.

Making the whole state an enterprise zone would boost California’s economic competitiveness, which has languished in recent years as a result of ever mounting regulations, taxes and fees. It’s a tough sell to attract employers when the only thing good about our climate is the weather.

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